Florida · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Tampa, FL (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Tampa, Florida (population 403,364) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 8 Florida programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Florida licensure.
Best MSW programs in Tampa, FL
Accredited programs with a campus in Tampa, FL, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Tampa, FL
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL, FL · CSWE-accredited since 1983 · Online or On-Campus
8.4
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
University of South Florida has held CSWE accreditation since 1983, 43 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Tampa, FL; Sarasota, FL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 2 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 7.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Tampa, FL
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, FL, FL · CSWE-accredited since 2021 · Online or On-Campus
5.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Ana G. Mendez University has held CSWE accreditation since 2021, 5 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Orlando, FL; Tampa, FL; Miami Lakes, FL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 2.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 10.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Tampa, FL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Tampa, FL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Lakeland · ~32 mi
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL, FL · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Southeastern University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Lakeland, FL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Tampa, FL
Florida-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Tampa, FL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | 1950 | Yes | #6 |
| University of South Florida | 1983 | Yes | #49 |
| Barry University | 1968 | Yes | #93 |
| University of Central Florida | 1993 | Yes | #94 |
| Florida Atlantic University | 2002 | Yes | #121 |
| University of West Florida | 2008 | Yes | #196 |
| Ana G. Mendez University | 2021 | Yes | #222 |
| Saint Leo University | 2009 | Yes | #256 |
How much do social workers make in Tampa, FL in 2026?
Tampa, Florida sits within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 5,370 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $68,310 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 1,500 | $64,790 | $48,480 – $82,470 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 930 | $52,730 | $36,500 – $78,210 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 2,160 | $58,540 | $42,530 – $79,670 |
| Social workers, all other | 780 | $68,310 | $47,280 – $113,170 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,280 | $77,560 | $50,600 – $136,620 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Tampa, FL earn a median of $58,540 versus $56,550 statewide in Florida and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Florida median.
Where do social workers work in Tampa, FL in 2026?
Tampa, Florida sits in Hillsborough County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Tampa General Hospital and BayCare Health System
- Gracepoint, the area’s community behavioral-health provider
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- University of South Florida
- Florida Department of Children and Families, SunCoast Region
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Tampa, FL?
After an MSW from Tampa, FL or anywhere, these are the Florida social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 1500 hours | Clinical |
| Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSW-I) | Master of Social Work | — | ASWB Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Florida state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Tampa, FL?
How much do social workers earn in Tampa, FL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Tampa, FL?
What license do MSW graduates need in Florida?
MSW programs in other Florida cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Florida license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.